As a dance veteran, going for a beginner pole class in Singapore was a lot more technical than I imagined.
With more than eight years of street dance experience behind me – from weekly training at dance studios in Singapore to performing at small showcases – I honestly thought I’d have a head start at a beginner pole dance class. I’m pretty confident about my coordination and strength, so I believed I could lift myself onto the pole without a struggle. But pole technique sits in its own calibre.
I’ve been wanting to try pole dance lessons in Singapore for a few years because of how closely they align with my dance style in terms of elegance, control, and strength. The style of dance I do is called Heels: it’s a blend of jazz, contemporary and street dance techniques, all performed in heels to R&B music. We execute moves like pushing from a “dolphin dive” into a “scorpion kick-up,” which takes full-body engagement, so I assumed those strengths would translate easily onto the pole. Boy, I was wrong.
The push-and-pull muscles needed to move around the pole completely surprised me. I felt like I was learning to dance all over again. What I thought would be a simple exploration session at the new Noir Collective turned into a humbling (but fun) reminder that pole is a discipline of its own. In just one class, I learned the basics of grip, the distinction between static and spin mode, and a few foundational spins that demonstrated to me the technical nature of the sport.
Noir Collective: First impressions
Noir Collective is Singapore’s newest dance and wellness studio in Tanjong Pagar. More than a pole space, Noir invites exploration across different dance genres. The studio offers a wide range of classes for all levels – from the moody Noir on level 16 for pole and performance-based dance to Gravity by Noir on level 15, which focuses on yoga, mat pilates, and strength conditioning.
The first thing that drew my attention was the glowing Noir signage at the back of the studio. Warm lights created an inviting and slightly theatrical atmosphere that set the mood for class. Every corner was thoughtfully designed, including a cosy nook with benches where I changed out of my work clothes and got ready.
Shortly after, I met my instructor, Ileane. Her welcoming energy and friendliness eased my nerves and instantly made me look forward to the rest of the session.
Warming up and trying pole moves
Once I stood in front of the pole, reality hit me. I’ve never touched one before, and the panic hit when I realised it doesn’t spin on its own. The fear of ripping my skin was real, but the performer in me refused to let that show.
Ileane led us through a warm-up that targeted the full body, with emphasis on the hamstrings, back, arms and wrists. Before we attempted any spins, she introduced the X-Pole PoleAway System, the first of its kind in Singapore. The poles fold neatly into the ceiling, which feels like the best invention Singapore could ask for – anything that saves space is a plus.
Finally, it was time for the spins. We worked on three foundational moves – fireman spin, front hook spin, and chair spin – trying each one first on a static pole, then a spinning pole.
When Ileane demonstrated the fireman spin, I thought, “That doesn’t look hard at all!” I was immediately humbled. Spinning on a static pole is no joke. I figured my strong grip would help, but it became my downfall. I had to loosen it to spiral down gracefully.
Learnings from the class
Out of the three beginners in class, one of the girls picked things up almost instantly. “She must’ve had a fun childhood,” I mused, because she was such a natural. Watching her spin showed me that technique is important, but visualising the feeling-to-movement connection matters just as much. Best believe I almost puked from multiple rounds of spinning on the pole.
Even with my years of dance experience, this felt like learning a completely new technique from scratch, and I loved it. Pole requires a different type of control and awareness. We repeated each move several times, and Ileane gave each of us individual guidance, making the class feel supportive, relaxing, and fun.
Before class ended, Ileane taught us the pole sit, which looks harmless until you realise it requires a specific tolerance for skin-to-pole friction. It’s something you can build over time, but the pinching sensation was not for me. Still, trying it was exciting because it showed what consistent training can eventually unlock.
So, what did I learn? My skin can take more friction than I expected, although it turned slightly reddish. Long legs create beautiful lines on a pole, but I’m blessed with a longer torso, which did me no favours. Although I’m used to pointing my feet in dance, breaking my fall with pointed feet didn’t come naturally. Landing softly is just as important as the spins.
A teaser for advanced pole tricks
At the end of class, Ileane treated us to demonstrations of advanced tricks, including the Ayesha. Watching her lift and hold her entire body weight with such ease was mind-blowing. She broke down the foundations behind these moves, reminding us that tricks like this require months of conditioning, not just bravery.
She emphasised the importance of building strength in the shoulders, back, and core before attempting anything inverted. Shoulder stability is a huge part of pole safety. Without proper strength training, you risk overextending your joints or getting a shoulder dislocation. Even simple exercises like scapula engagement drills, wrist strengthening, and hollow-body holds can go a long way in preparing your body for more advanced tricks.
Final thoughts after my first pole dance lesson
The class covered a lot more than I expected. We went through warm-up, safety basics, three spins, static and spin modes, and the pole sit – all within one session. Ileane stayed patient, clear, and encouraging throughout. She created a safe space to try, pause, and try again.
Plus, Noir Collective is a beautiful place to learn. The full-length mirrors and smooth floors made the studio ideal for movement, and the ambience was warm and stylish, without being intimidating. Oh, and the Tanjong Pagar location is perfect for after-work classes.
Will I try pole again? Definitely. I walked in overestimating my ability (classic dancer beige flag), but I walked out feeling challenged in the best way. Pole is technical, fun, and incredibly empowering once you start understanding the basics.
I’d love to build up my skin tolerance. The “pole kisses” are real, but it’s something you can train your body to handle over time. However, I’ll probably return for a conditioning class, or maybe a Chair or Heels session, which feels a little closer to home for me. Now that I’ve had a taste of pole, I can see why people fall in love with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Noir Collective located?
The studio is located at #16-02, Robinson Square, 144 Robinson Road, Singapore 069808.
What should I prepare for my first pole experience?
Here’s what you should bring to class: Yoga shorts and a tank top or sports bra, a water bottle, and a small sweat towel. Avoid applying moisturiser on your body that day, as it can make the pole slippery.
Can I try pole without any prior dance experience?
Yes! Non-dancers often pick up pole surprisingly fast because they don’t have a “preferred side” and tend to learn technique openly. Even with zero dance background, you’ll follow along just fine.
